Memory is corrupted and ruined by a crowd of memories. If I am going to have a true memory, there are a thousand things that must first be forgotten. Memory is not fully itself when it reaches only into the past. A memory that is not alive to the present does not remember the here and now, does not remember its true identity, is not memory at all. He who remembers nothing but facts and past events, and is never brought back into the present, is a victim of amnesia.

Summary

This quote suggests that memories can become distorted and overwhelmed when there are too many of them. To have a genuine and authentic memory, one must let go of unnecessary thoughts and experiences. The quote also highlights the importance of being present and attentive in the current moment. Only when we are aware of the present can we truly remember and understand our true identity. Otherwise, if we simply recall facts and past events without connecting them to the present, we are akin to suffering from amnesia and missing out on the richness of a vibrant memory.

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